The ‘One Metre Test’ is a good way to evaluate yourself as a player and is often used by coaches to judge which players are committing to the contest. That one metre between you, your opponent and the ball can determine who wins the contested ball.
Do you accelerate to get your body in between both you or your opponent?
OR
Do you hesitate to see what your opponent is doing and then try to control them instead of the ball?
The under-rated Simon Black is a great 'in and under' player
Some players will often appear to be in a contest but really there is no body commitment and they are just placing their arms in. Simon Black is one player who definitely passes the ‘ One Metre Test ‘ .
Quite often for the Brisbane Lions you can often find Simon Black ‘ in and under ‘ around a contest. He is so successful at feeding the football out to players waiting for his quick hands.
Black does this so efficiently by getting his body at a low position, lower than his opponent so he can gather the ball before his opposite number even has a chance to.
Often he has one hand outstretched ready to scoop up or tap the ball along while the other hand and arm can be used to shield or fend an opponent off. By having a lower centre of gravity than his opponent, Simon Black can use his momentum to make side on contact with his opponents shoulder and gather with the protected arm.
Good players often narrow their focus as they approach the ball. They can assess the bigger picture just before they regain their focus on the ball and can make the best judgment for that situation.
If they win possession, they then look for their options.
Players of Black’s caliber have great focus. Often when lesser players fumble the ball, this is due to them not focusing on the task at hand. They are distracted by not knowing where their opposition is and that can make them reluctant to commit.
By positioning your body in front and lower than your opponent you are more liekly to be in the best position for a free kick unless you fall onto or hold the ball up. Having a lower position also means you are a smaller target than if you were more upright, offering you more protection.
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